Rev. Charles J. Ellis, Jr. was born to two teachers, Charles J. Ellis, Sr. and Betty Ellis, in Jeffersonville, Indiana in 1963. Although Pastor Ellis lived in Louisville with his family from the time of his birth, his formative years were here in Indianapolis. In fact, Pastor Ellis graduated from public schools Dewitt Morgan (86) and Northwest High School respectively. When it was time for college, Pastor Ellis returned to his Kentucky roots receiving his Bachelor of Arts from Western Kentucky University in 1986. Likewise Pastor Ellis' post-graduate work took place at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary were he received a Masters of Divinity.
Before coming to 25th Street Baptist Church, Pastor Ellis directed Indianapolis Public Schools outdoor Education program and served as an Extension Educator for Purdue Cooperative Extension Service. In 1999, Pastor Ellis received the call to come and lead the congregation of 25th Street and he enthusiastically accepted!
Since taking over the reins, much has taken place at 25th Street Baptist Church. Pastor Ellis has led the church in crafting a mission statement that focuses on discipleship.
Furthermore, Ellis has been very active in establishing a discipleship team whose primary purpose is to lead people to deeper connection and relationship with God.
Pastor Ellis has also brought a fresh sense of direction from the Holy Spirit. This has prompted him to institute such cutting-edge ideas as Soul Winning Sunday, Substance Abuse Ministry (S.A.M.), the Contemporary Worship, and the 40-day challenge just to name a few.
Personally, Pastor Ellis has brought his gifts of teaching to the church conducting Bible Studies twice on Wednesdays and separate Bible studies for S.A.M. He has also served
as an instructor for Simmons College of Kentucky, Central Baptist Theological Seminary, and the National Baptist Convention of America.
Moreover, Pastor Ellis has been at the forefront of addressing community ills by serving as Executive Director of the Ten Point Coalition and leading such groups as the City of Peace Ministerial Coalition. Pastor Ellis has also worked alongside other community groups such as the Baptist Ministers Alliance, the Interdenominational Alliance, and Westside Ministries.
Finally, Pastor Ellis is also utilizing the gift of writing in ministry. Currently, He is a free lance writer for R.H. Boyd Publishing and the National Baptist Convention.
In short, Pastor Ellis is connected, involved with both the community and congregation with the goal of bringing people to a committed relationship with the Lord. He is married to the former Tanya Woodard and has one daughter Breann. | 
